Pan-African network of tech and innovation hubs AfriLabs has elected a new board, tasked with bringing “fresh ideas” to the network and fuelling the continent’s tech ecosystem.
Launched in 2011, last week’s vote marks only the second board election in AfriLabs’ history, with five new members selected to replace the current board.
Members of the AfriLabs community were asked to cast their votes virtually, to chose candidates representing member-hubs across Southern, East, and West-Central Africa.
The five new board members selected are Rebecca Enonchong of Cameroon’s Activ Spaces, who will become board chair at AfriLabs; Bernard Chiira of Kenya’s iBiz – new board secretary; Rakoroarivo Noharintsafidy Sarobidy from Madagascar’s HABAKA Hub, and will take the role of board treasurer; the board’s new francophone representative, Regina Mbodj, of CTIC Dakar, Senegal; and Nekesa Were from Kenya’s iHub, who becomes a board member.
AfriLabs said the new team will bring “fresh ideas” to the organisation, and ensure the tech ecosystem continues to contribute to Africa’s economic development.
“The membership elected one of the strongest teams in the history of AfriLabs. We’re confident they will surpass all our expectations. We wish them well,” said Michael Oluwagbemi, outgoing board chair.
“It is truly an honour to be elected board chair of the AfriLabs board, continuing the visionary work of its founders. As African tech hubs mature and gain momentum, the mission and work of Afrilabs is more important than ever before,” said Rebecca Enonchong, new board chair.
“I am excited about the opportunities ahead in this next phase of growth for the organisation, solidifying its position as a catalyst in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. I look forward to working with our dynamic new board and secretariat to accomplish our mission.”
